backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash 
1
a
: a sudden violent backward movement or reaction
b
: the play between adjacent movable parts (as in a series of gears)
also
: the jar caused by this when the parts are put into action
2
: a snarl in that part of a fishing line wound on the reel
3
: a strong adverse reaction (as to a recent political or social development)
backlasher
noun
Examples of backlash in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sable has faced particular backlash over its efforts to restart a pipeline that ruptured in 2015, causing one of the biggest oil spills in state history.
—
Clara Harter Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Sable has faced particular backlash over its efforts to restart a pipeline that ruptured in 2015, sending 100,000 gallons of crude oil into the ocean and devastating marine life in one of the biggest oil spills in state history.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
The move comes as the administration faces backlash and legal challenges over other major construction projects in Washington including construction of the White House ballroom, a two-year renovation of the Kennedy Center, and the possible construction of a triumphal arch.
—Emma Nicholson, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Despite the backlash, DeRosa has insisted the criticism has created misleading narratives about his handling of the team and his understanding of the tournament format.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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Clara Harter Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Sable has faced particular backlash over its efforts to restart a pipeline that ruptured in 2015, sending 100,000 gallons of crude oil into the ocean and devastating marine life in one of the biggest oil spills in state history.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
The move comes as the administration faces backlash and legal challenges over other major construction projects in Washington including construction of the White House ballroom, a two-year renovation of the Kennedy Center, and the possible construction of a triumphal arch.
—Emma Nicholson, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Despite the backlash, DeRosa has insisted the criticism has created misleading narratives about his handling of the team and his understanding of the tournament format.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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